Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Ceanothus 'Dark Star'
Dark Star California Lilac
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 8 to 10 feet
- Flower color
- Deep cobalt-blue
- Foliage color
- Small, dark green leaves with a slightly textured surface
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun to light shade
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional pruning to shape after flowering and remove dead branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; provides habitat for birds
About this plant
Ceanothus 'Dark Star' is a dense, evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant display of deep cobalt-blue flowers. Blooming in mid to late spring, its tightly packed flower clusters create a vivid contrast against the plant's small, dark green leaves. The textured foliage and abundant blossoms make it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to a garden.
A California native selection, 'Dark Star' is a cultivar developed to thrive in Mediterranean climates, reflecting the rugged beauty of its natural coastal origins. Its compact form and dramatic flower color have made it a favorite for hedges, borders, or as a standalone feature in gardens that appreciate drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly plants.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Deep cobalt-blue flowers have enough visual strength to become a destination in the garden rather than simply blending into a planting. Position this broad shrub where a path or sightline naturally ends, creating a dramatic spring focal point that remains quietly structured afterward.
